Govt Suspends Flights From Italy Over Coronavirus

The government has suspended all flights from Northern Italy to Kenya following the global coronavirus outbreak.

This comes after confirmed cases of Coronavirus emerged in Italian cities of Verona and Milan.

In a statement released on Tuesday March 3, the decision was taken by the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus (NERCC) chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe in consultation with the Italian Embassy in Nairobi.

According to the NERCC Flights from Verona and Milan will be suspended effective March 3, 2020.

“Following Consultations with the Italian Embassy and Stake Holders, the National Emergency Response Committee on Corona Virus (NERCC) has concluded that flights from the North of Italy, specifically Verona and Milan which usually has direct chartered flights to our coast be suspended effective March 3rd, 2020,” Reads the statement.

The NERCC says that this part of Italy is currently experiencing coronavirus incidents that could affect the safety of Kenyans.

The committee added that it will continue to monitor the situations.

President Uhuru Kenyatta through an Executive Order tasked NERCC with coordinating the country’s preparedness, prevention and response to the threat of the deadly disease.

“The team will coordinate the capacity building of medical personnel and other professionals,” he said.

The High Court last week temporarily suspended flights from China.

Justice James Makau issued the ruling following a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya.

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